Compared to userID/password - something that you know - (1st generation of identity management), and the use of tokens - something that you have- (2nd generation), the use of biometrics - something that you are - (3rd generation) is a big leap into secure identity management. Within the biometrics world, however, the use of fingerprint scanning is probably the lowest form, yet it is still the most popular due to its simplicity and low cost compared to other forms of biometrics. However, such technologies have to be assessed within the context of application criticality and see what is best in each case.